We spoke to Junior Luamba, after the forward agreed a two-year deal with United.
Speaking to CUTV, he began by speaking on his excitement and what attracted him to the move, saying: "Obviously, things came about quite quickly, but I've had a look around the place and I'm really excited.”
“I think, obviously, coming back to this league, the National League, I quite like this league. The season's looking exciting with the teams that are involved. It's a big club, first and foremost, big fan base.
“The gaffer, the players, got quality players, got a great gaffer. But yeah, really looking forward to it.”
Speaking on his career, Luamba began by discussing his time at Oldham, explaining: “It was good. As a young player I came through, got my scholarship, then got my pro deal there as well. It's a big club.
“They're in League Two now. But yeah, there's nothing bad I can say about Oldham as a club. But, now I'm at Carlisle and it's a new chapter in my career and I'm excited for it.”
He continued through his career, stating: “My time at Salford was really good. I met some really amazing people as a club as well. The owners, they're really hands-on with the club, which is massive for young players.
“They’re all great human beings, first and foremost. They gave me the platform to showcase my ability and facilitated this move here as well.”
Junior spent the second-half of last season on loan at York City, he spoke fondly of his time there: “I really enjoyed my time at York. Very, very good club.
“Amazing fan base. I think my first game, I was taken aback at how quickly they welcomed me. The staff, the players, the fans, just everything about the club, even the city itself.
“Really, really good. I enjoyed my time there. It was a bit disappointing the way it ended, but I have fond memories looking back at my time at York.
“I'm just really excited to be back in this league and it should be exciting.”
Luamba missed out on promotion last year as York were beaten in the play-offs, he’s hoping to go one better this season.
“I think that was one of the things that I thought about when this move came about. I know last season things didn't go to plan over here, but that's always the aim. I think I've got the fire in my belly to do as much as I possibly can on an individual level to push the club to its aspirations.
“Collectively, I know everyone, the fans, the players, want to go straight back up to League Two.”
Speaking on his National League experience, Junior explained: “I think it helps out massively. I'm still 22. Any time that I get on the pitch is valuable, but I know I'm at the age where I need to start making a name for myself. I think Carlisle is the perfect platform to allow me to do so.
“I'm looking forward to it.”
Describing his style of play, Junior said: “I play on the wing. I like to be direct, powerful and quick.
“I like to be positive on the ball. When I get the ball, I want to beat my man. Make exciting moves on the pitch and get the fans off their seat.
“That's what I'm here for. Obviously, contribute with goals and assists. I think it's massive.
"With all the attributes I've got, I need to start putting numbers up and really make a name for myself, like I said.”
Junior then began looking ahead to pre-season, saying: “Pre-season is always a time where you want to get it over and done with.
“I've been keeping fit over the off-season, so I think it should give me a good baseline to go into pre-season. I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be hard, which it's supposed to be, but I'm looking forward to it.
“I can't wait to meet the players and the fans as well.”
We asked Junior if there was any familiar faces at the club, he responded: “I know Callum Whelan. We shared the pitch at Oldham Athletic. I remember him being a top lad, first and foremost, and he's a really good player as well. I can't wait to link up with him soon.”
Finally, Junior finished with a strong message to the Carlisle United supporters, saying: “I'll do everything for the shirt.
“Carlisle is a big club and I know the aspirations and the expectations that the club wants to achieve moving forward. I can assure them I'll do everything in my power to help the team as best as I can.
“We're looking at promotion to be the target, so I think we can achieve that. From an individual standpoint, I'll give my all for the club. I'll run around and get stuck in.
“Ultimately, goals and assists, that's what I'm here for. I'm sure we're going to have a very great time together.”
